History
"We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience."
George Washington
At Brookfield Junior Academy, we believe that history is much more than learning about dates and events. It is about helping children make sense of the world they live in by understanding how the past has shaped the present. Through exploring fascinating stories, significant people, and local and global events, we inspire our pupils to become curious, questioning, and thoughtful historians.
The National Curriculum for History aims to ensure that all pupils:
- know and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.
- know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires and characteristic features of past non-European societies.
- gain understanding of abstract terms such as ‘empire’, 'civilisation' and ‘parliament'.
- understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically valid questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives.
- understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed.
- gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts, understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history; between cultural, economic, military, political, religious and social history; and between short and long-term timescales.
Intent
Our intent is to deliver a high-quality history curriculum that:
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Builds a secure chronological understanding of British, local, and world history.
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Encourages children to investigate and interpret the past through enquiry-based learning.
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Develops children’s ability to think critically, communicate historically, and use a wide range of sources.
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Inspires curiosity and a love of learning about the past.
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Helps children make connections between past and present, understanding how history influences modern life.
Implementation
History is taught through carefully planned units that build knowledge and skills progressively across year groups. Each year, pupils study:
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Changes within living memory, events beyond living memory and significant individuals (KS1).
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British history from the Stone Age to 1066 and world civilisations (KS2).
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Themes beyond 1066, such as the Tudors, Victorians, World War II, Ancient Greeks, Maya, Romans, and Anglo-Saxons.
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Local history studies, enabling children to connect national and world events to their community.
Teaching includes:
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Use of historical sources and artefacts.
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Debates and enquiry questions to encourage critical thinking.
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Cross-curricular links, particularly with English, geography, and art.
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Opportunities for trips, workshops, and visitors to bring history to life.
Impact
By the time pupils leave Brookfield Junior Academy, they will:
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Have a secure chronological understanding of British and world history.
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Be able to ask and answer historical questions using evidence.
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Understand the significance of key events and individuals.
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Make connections between the past and present, recognising how history shapes modern life.
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Be prepared for further study in history at secondary school with curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking skills.
The ACET Long Term Planning outlines the topics each year group will study and the enquires they will complete.
If you have any questions about how HISTORY is taught within school or how to further support your children at home please do not hesitate to contact Miss Sales (HISTORY LEAD).